Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Gosling navigate the film’s
sleekly burnished surfaces and darkly lighted interiors, its procedural twists
and courtroom turns without breaking stride or into a sweat. Each actor is
playing a pulp type rather than a fully formed individual, but both fill in the
blanks with an alchemical mix of professional and personal charisma. (Mr.
Gosling also tosses in a Southern accent.)

Even Mr. Hopkins’s most familiar tricks — a blank face capped by a hint of a
shiver-inducing smile — work to the story’s advantage. In a less capable film
those gently upturned lips could easily repulse because they would invoke
unfavorable comparisons with Hannibal Lecter; here, though, they simply remind
you that memorable screen villainy can be as much a matter of impeccable manners
as evil designs.

The screenwriters, Daniel Pyne and Glenn Gers, hit the customary thriller notes
with a touch of humor, and the director, Gregory Hoblit (who worked similar
terrain in “Primal Fear”), arranges those notes into a catchy, insistent rhythm.

I've enjoyed this film for a
while and have re-watched it a couple of times. I found the story
complex enough to encourage repeat viewings. This is a classic thriller
incorporating some meaningful court-room scenes with dynamite
performances all around. I didn't see this theatrically but always
thought that the DVD was extremely dark - ex. in the 3rd large capture
Hopkins face should be more discernable when reflected in the blood.
Details like that seem wasted because the image was unnaturally dark.
The Blu-ray is marginally brighter
and fleshtones are significantly improved from orange/yellow. Detail
jumps a full notch as well with the VC-1 encode and triple the bitrate.
It is, however, only single-layered and not a perfect transfer.

Perhaps unfairly, I've always judged New
Line to be Warner's weaker arm. We've seen unnecessary examples of
digital manipulation from them. This looks a bit glossy and kind of
thick but admittedly quite superior to the DVD. I get the feeling some
digitizing (possibly DNR - the image is still softer than one might
expect) has been done but probably no more than was
present on the DVD.

Audio also improves with a meager TrueHD
that isn't tested too much by the film. It does seem more buoyant
with better range but is not demo material. The Danna brothers give us an effective score that
also benefits from the move to HD. Both packages offer optional
subtitles but the 1080P version has some European options and my Momitsu
identifies the disc as being region FREE - playable worldwide on the
new format machines.

The extra features are duplicated but are in HD on
the Blu-ray.
7 deleted or alternate scenes that clock in at over 1/2 an hour. The
2 alt-endings are the most interesting but there is no commentary or
cast input - which seems a shame as, I felt, the film warranted
some further discussion.

I'm very keen on the film and the Blu-ray is the best way to see and hear it. Nu'ff said -
recommended!

-
Gary Tooze

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